I get the oil thing, but didn't they go to a four spring basket in 2009? I have never had clutch problems but im also not a racer. I always heard the early ones had not so good clutches. I guess i was wrong

Correct the 2009 is the four spring and I changed my posts to reflect that. When you've owned and ridden as many bikes as I have, the years all tend to blur together.

I have a 2009 Honda CRF 450. Bought it new, changed oils, filter, after first ride than every other rides for break in. I had the ecm remapped because it would flameout sometimes at stops. It starts easy and I did change to a heavy clutch spring set. I went up 2 teeth on the rear sprocket I felt the gearing was too tall on trails. I put dunlop geomax tires on it and the dealer gave me 50 bucks back.
Honda has some deals sometimes , I believe it was about 5800.00. It needs a rear lowering link.
Other than that it is a powerful machine that will take you anywhere if you can hold on.

I really like that ktm 250sxf or what ever it is. So this 350 sounds interesting. We went up north this year and did some dirt biking and a buddy had one of those ktm 250's and it hung with the 450's all day. And these were not new riders. Back in that day of my dirtbike racing shenanigans I always like the 125's better than the 250's, while it took more to ride the 125 because you had to rev the piss out of it, I was always faster on a 125 than a 250. Now fast foward into the roadracing days and same thing. While I could go faster on 1000's I never felt as comfortable as I did on the 6's or 750's. Ofter times I could outrun guys on their liter bikes with my 6. Made several people mad out on the track, but it was all in good fun.

I don't think you will disappointed in a 250, but I'd go with the 450...if I buy one thats what I'm going to get. I also plan on putting a light kit on it and plating it

Aj hall..... Please do not give advice on what you do not know what the fukc you talking about.

Honestly Kelly being you just got engaged and don't have leanz on your insurance yet. I'd say a modern 250f would be just fine for you. Playing in the dirt is completely different then on the street. You can get your self in alot of trouble really fast in the dirt.

What year are you looking at is the main thing. The brand new bikes have alot smoother curve with the efi. The carb bikes hit alot harder and are alot more aggressive of a motor.

O yes, sorry i forgot your a know it all little shit head. I bet i know more than ur wanna be dirtbike ass bra!

It really depends on how you intend to ride the trails, of your looking to color tour get a 250. If you want to beat quads get a 450. I bought my first bike a few three years ago, 04 crf450, I really never felt like it was too much and I hate riding my friends 250f, do not get a two stroke. It's a pain in the ass to have to carry oil so you can fuel up. Chances are you will never be able to ride a 250 or a 450 to its full potential (nor will I) but you'll have more fun on a big bike. It's really frustrating getting beat on a straight trail because you ran out of bike.

I didn't read through all this but I used to have a CRF250R that I sold/traded to boggin-machine. A couple years later I ended up buying a 450 which I loved. The only reason I go the bigger bike was that everyone else I rode with had 450's. Even though they had the bigger bike I would stay right with them or pass them for the most part. The only time I noticed a difference was on a long up hill jump when it was loose. I had a hell of a time clearing it on my 250 unless I hammered the corner right before it and carried enough speed through it. With the 450 it was a lot easier. If you plan on riding mostly trails you should be fine on a 250 unless you like to have more power than you need. I would say find someone that has a 250 and someone who has a 450 and ride them both before you go buy one. If I was going to buy one right now I don't know which I would get either(I want one but cant afford it right now, had to sell my 450 earlier last year and regret it...bad).

That 250f that Butters speaks of was for me to race the 250 class as well. I ended up letting the girl friend ride it cause I needed a 450. I use all the power the 250f has to offer. I love the snap of my 08 CRF 450. Kelly if you wanna ride mine your more return welcome to.